City View is open to any student in the Cedar Rapids Community School District entering grades 10–12. We welcome learners who are curious, motivated, and excited about community-connected, real-world experiences.

City View welcomes students from all backgrounds, whether you have a clear passion or you’re still exploring. Our most successful learners tend to be curious, flexible, and open to experiential, real-world projects. They’re willing to collaborate with peers and community partners, take initiative in shaping their own learning, and grow from feedback and challenges. We provide the support, mentorship, and resources to help you build these habits of mind—so if you’re ready to engage, we’re ready to guide you toward a richer, more meaningful high school experience.

Families benefit from having choices. City View is not a copy of our comprehensive high schools; it’s a magnet school that takes an experiential, community-embedded approach. We want to provide a different type of learning environment for those who thrive on real-world challenges.

We focus on competency-based, project-driven learning. Students master the same standards as other CRCSD high schools but through internships, community-based projects, and more 1:1 or small-group interactions. You still earn a high school diploma, but your path is more personalized.

We believe that a close-knit environment promotes stronger relationships—among students, teachers, and community partners. When you’re known personally, you can access more personalized support, feel a deeper sense of belonging, and collaborate more effectively on projects that matter to you. This kind of individualized attention not only builds confidence but also empowers each student to take meaningful ownership of their learning journey.

No problem. City View is designed to help you discover your passions and strengths along the way. Our staff, mentors, and community partners will guide you through different experiences so you can uncover new interests and opportunities that fit your evolving goals.

Yes. In addition to documenting your academic progress, our comprehensive transcript highlights the projects, internships, and real-world experiences you take on. Colleges and universities value seeing the depth of your learning and personal growth.

Absolutely. Through internships, students earn both high school and Kirkwood Community College credit. We’re also partnering with Kirkwood to develop additional credit options in the near future, giving you a head start on your college journey.

Internships are woven into your schedule. You’ll spend time offsite with community partners, working alongside mentors in your field of interest. It’s a chance to build real-world skills while still earning high school (and potentially college) credit.

Yes. You can remain connected to your home high school for sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars. Many students find City View’s flexible approach actually helps them manage busy schedules more effectively.

We emphasize time management, collaboration, communication, and “adulting” skills like managing finances and scheduling. Our goal is to help you become a self-grower—someone who can thrive independently and on a team.

City View is in downtown Cedar Rapids, on the first floor of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. This prime location makes it easy to access community partners and local businesses.

Simply complete the magnet school application (through the CRCSD lottery) to request City View. If you have questions or want to visit, please reach out to schedule a tour or speak with our staff. We’re excited to see if City View is a fit for you!